Filed under: Spy Photos, SUVs, BMW
Spy Shots: BMW X5 M spotted again...
This isn't the first time we've reported on the long-rumored high-performance BMW X5 M. In fact, we showed you spy shots on July 25, 2007, August 31, 2007, and again on October 16, 2007. So, here we go again...
Rumors about powerplants thrive, but our best guess indicates BMW will not be dropping the M5/M6's 5.0-liter V-10 into the upcoming range-topping X5. The V-10 is a silky screamer, but torque is what's needed to motivate the X5's mass (the V-10 is rated at 500 hp, but just 383 lb-ft of torque). Instead, it is much more likely (and cost-effective) that BMW will fit a modified version of the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 found under the hood of the new BMW X6. In stock form, that engine pumps out 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Tweak the engine mapping while increasing the boost, and 500 hp and 500+ lb-ft of torque isn't unimaginable. That is plenty of juice to fend off the Porsche Cayenne Turbo (500 hp/516 lb-ft) and the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG (503 hp/465 lb-ft).
The spy shots show an X5 with a custom front bumper fabricated to maximize cooling airflow. The fog lamps are gone, instead replaced with intakes that appear to be hiding oil coolers in the front fenders (similar to the unit found in the right front fender of the twin-turbo BMW 335i). The quad tailpipes are identical to the ones found on the prototype in October. However, unlike the images last Fall, this black prototype is wearing winter rubber--it should, as it is sitting on snow.
[Source: The Auto Channel]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3seriesisking 6:55PM (2/18/2008)
Looks good. At first I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this model but if they put the right engine in it like perhaps the modified 4.4 mentioned above, everything sounds pretty nice. I look forward to hearing more about this one.
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Seoultrain 6:58PM (2/18/2008)
BMW selling out. What a surprise.
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3seriesisking 7:01PM (2/18/2008)
You're going to have to explain what you mean by that for me Seoultrain.
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JR 7:06PM (2/18/2008)
Please do NOT refer to this vehicle has an "X5 M" It WILL NOT be called "M" nor will there EVER be an "M" badged X5. It could be X5 5.0is, X5 xDrive 50is, or whatever, but not "M".
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Mike 7:17PM (2/18/2008)
I feel the same. At first I was like, "an ///M SUV?!" but it makes sense. American consumers love performance SUV's (Cayenne Turbo, Cherokee Hemi, etc.) and I know it will be a great seller. Just as long as they make sure to give it performance worthy of the ///M.
I feel like some will be upset because of what they perceive an ///M SUV will do to the reputation of the badge however. ///M has always meant racing performance and I don't think you'll ever catch an X5 at the track, with or without an ///M badge.
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Mike 7:17PM (2/18/2008)
"M Sport?" It's a trim level outside the USA.
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Franz 7:35PM (2/18/2008)
I'd prefer the look of an X5 M to a Cayenne Turbo, but those Cayennes sure are fast. The interiors are nice too. I'll reserve final judgment until this hits the streets though.
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Tool 8:07PM (2/18/2008)
The BMW X5 4.8i is a real high-performance machine, it will be even more impressive with a good 450+ HP. I hope BMW makes a formal announcement soon about this because I want one.
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letstakeawalk 9:32PM (2/18/2008)
BMW has been very busy recently. On one of their shipping/storage lots this taped-up X6 was stuck way back all by itself, even though there were dozens of factory-fresh X6 comingled with the X5s. Struck me as odd, but I can't see anything different (so why the tape this late?)
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m13/roybrandon/bigX6Mule008.jpg
Living in a town where it seems like everybody has a Range Rover Sport or an AMG'd Benz, a top of the line BMW SUV would be a cinch.
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WillDaThrill 10:30PM (2/18/2008)
It probably already been said, but it should be called the MX5. That would be schweet!
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k.w.a 11:39PM (2/18/2008)
mazda already took that name. I kno right... a MAZDA took it. Now i see why BMW used to bitch about other companies using the "M" moniker
WillDaThrill 10:31PM (2/18/2008)
Reply still not working, I meant to say It's.
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vdk 11:12PM (2/18/2008)
use the date...
as for the X5... manual?
almost Dr. G.. 11:04PM (2/18/2008)
thrill will.. that was funny dude..
on a lesser "funny" note is xm5.. which is a preset on satellite radio.. ok fine.. i suck..
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Matt 11:22PM (2/18/2008)
again, BMW M gmbh have said they will never put a full "M" badge or branding onto a SAV. The people that run M are die-hard about not diluting the purity of what M means. For this reason, we've not seen an M7 or an M SAV, the dynamics of the vehicle and the entire proposition of these vehicles goes against what they stand for.
Hence the X5 4.6is, 4.8is on the prev-gen vehicle, and the M-Technic/M-Sport packages for the 7 series.
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ronnie 6:08AM (2/19/2008)
indeed a surprise if thy are selling out! I wonder why?
http://cars.ozfreeonline.com
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leehmoore 9:44AM (2/19/2008)
Why not something along the lines of an Alpina BX5? Seems that BMW covered the high performance luxo barge niche nicely with the B7 without contradicting their stated intent for the M division.
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Playdrv4me 11:48AM (2/19/2008)
Put your **** back in your pants. This will NOT be called an "M" anything.
It will most certainly be the X5 xDrive 50iS or something along those lines as stated above.
That being said, my brother has a 2002 X5 4.6iS with Dinan Stage II kit and the thing is absolutely a hoot to drive. It goes without saying that if the zooted up powerplant will be going into the X6, there is no question the X5 will get it as well, especially considering the base V8 NOW is the old iS version, the 4.8.
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Chilli 7:19PM (3/05/2008)
Neutral...the new 4.8i is not the same as the old 4.8iS. The iS is King (for now).